The spring training struggles for Scott Kazmir translated into an awful performance in his first regular season start.

The Angels are looking at 2011 as a rebirth of sorts. The former dominant team in the American League West has a pretty solid line-up anchored by Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells and a solid rotation led by Jered Weaver.

For this club to compete in the competitive West, number four starter Scott Kazmir needs to return to the form that helped him lead the Rays to the top of their Division after years of futility.

Kazmir’s performance against the Kansas City Royals leads us to believe that he is on a mighty short leash after giving up five runs in less than two innings. Making matters worse, his control issues have not subsided as evidenced with nearly half of his pitches thrown for balls (63-35).

Due millions this season, Kazmir does have a $2.5 million buyout in 2012.Does this mean the Angels are stuck with him this year? Can the Angels afford the keep him in the rotation or even the bullpen if he keeps performing like this? Would any team want him at this point?

History suggests Kazmir has performed well enough throughout the rest of his career that he would hold some value if placed as a spot starter or took on a mentoring role in a rebuilding squad’s bullpen.

An ERA of 27.00 is a near death sentence unless you can bring that down to around 4.50 within three appearances.Being said, the pressure is on because outings like this can’t go unattended.

For more articles on Scott Kazmir and his struggles click here, here, here and here.